[PEN-L:4701] Proposed cutbacks on year 2000 U.S. Census

[dhenwood@xxxxxxxxx (Doug Henwood)]

>From another list - the yahoos are working overtime.

Doug

--

Doug Henwood
[dhenwood@xxxxxxxxx]
Left Business Observer
250 W 85 St
New York NY 10024-3217
USA
+1-212-874-4020 voice
+1-212-874-3137 fax

> ______________________________________________________________________________
> As the representative to the Commerce Department's Advisory Committee on the
> Year 2000 Census for the American Statistical Association and the former
> chair of the Social Statistics Section, American Statistical Association, I
> want to call your attention to a major threat to fundamental data for the U.S.
>
> As you know, much of the information that is of vital importance for social
> science research (as well as for many business and government applications)
> is collected on "the long form" of each decennial census, which is given
> only to a sample of the population. There is currently no substitute for
> that instrument in the Federal Statistical System, and it is surely the most
> cost-effective means of collecting these data.  Eventually, we may have
> "continuous measurement" at the small-area level, but at this time there is
> no other instrument that produces data on such items as income and education
> for small areas of the nation.
>
> All of those data are currently under severe attack, apparently by one
> Congressman.  At the Census Bureau's appropriation hearing on its FY 1996
> budget, Subcommittee Chair Harold Rogers expressed his view that the 2000
> Census ought to be limited to the short form.  He apparently doesn't care
> that many of the long form questions are mandated by law:  " I don't care if
> it is authorized or mandated by law.  This subcommittee is not going to pay
> for it."  And his idea of "the short form" is radical:  it seems as if we
> might have a three-question or a five-question Census in 2000.
>
> This would affect us in myriad ways, starting with our ability (and the
> government's ability) to draw samples based on socioeconomic criteria.  I
> urge that you contact your Congressional delegation immediately to express
> your view that the nation cannot afford to lose these data.
>
> I also strongly request that you forward this message in whole or in part to
> relevant lists.  Mobilization is critical.
>
> Copies sent to employees of the Federal Government are for their information
> only.
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> Richard C. Rockwell, Executive Director
> Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research
> The University of Michigan     PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 USA
> (313)764-2570 (voice)  (313)764-8041 (fax)  richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> cc:  seniorstaff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>

Doug

--

Doug Henwood
[dhenwood@xxxxxxxxx]
Left Business Observer
250 W 85 St
New York NY 10024-3217
USA
+1-212-874-4020 voice
+1-212-874-3137 fax